ABUJA, Nigeria — The office of former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, SAN, has alleged that security agencies are preparing to rearrest him upon his release from detention, despite a Federal High Court in Abuja granting bail.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, by Malami’s Special Assistant on Media, Mohammed Bello Doka, the office claimed that operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) had mounted surveillance around the Kuje Correctional Centre and were “on standby” to effect a rearrest on what it described as “trumped-up charges.”
Malami is currently facing prosecution alongside family members in connection with an alleged N8.7 billion money laundering case brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
He was recently remanded pending the determination of his bail application.
Doka said the EFCC had earlier failed to process Malami’s release despite a court order granting bail, and alleged that moves were under way to keep him in custody through a rearrest immediately after release from prison custody.
“We place it clearly on record that the safety of Abubakar Malami, SAN, his family, and his staff is under serious threat,” the statement read.
“Any act of intimidation, unlawful detention, or harm arising from these actions must be fully accounted for by those responsible.”
The statement described the reported plan as an assault on constitutional safeguards and an action capable of undermining public confidence in the justice system.
Malami’s office appealed to the judiciary, civil society organisations, the legal community and the international community to monitor developments and urge security agencies to act in accordance with the law.
It added that Malami “has consistently demonstrated his respect for the rule of law and readiness to submit himself to lawful judicial processes.”
The EFCC and the DSS have not publicly responded to the allegations.
The EFCC had earlier arraigned Malami, his wife and his son before the Federal High Court in Abuja on charges relating to alleged money laundering.
Court proceedings in the criminal case are continuing, while concerns remain over the claims of possible rearrest upon release from custody.
Authorities have yet to confirm whether additional charges or arrests are being contemplated.
